CVE-2018-4289 in macOS
Summary
by MITRE
An information disclosure issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. This issue affected versions prior to macOS High Sierra 10.13.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4289 represents an information disclosure flaw that existed within Apple's macOS operating system prior to the release of macOS High Sierra 10.13.6. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of data exposure issues where sensitive information could potentially be accessed by unauthorized parties. The flaw was specifically related to how the system handled certain memory operations and data structures, creating an avenue for information leakage that could compromise system security. The issue was classified as a moderate to high severity vulnerability given its potential to expose system internals and sensitive data to malicious actors. Information disclosure vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they can provide attackers with insights into system architecture, memory layouts, and other sensitive operational details that could be leveraged in subsequent attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stemmed from improper handling of memory management routines within the kernel level components of macOS. The flaw allowed for potential information leakage through mechanisms that should have been properly secured and isolated. This type of vulnerability typically manifests when system components fail to adequately sanitize or protect sensitive data during processing operations, creating pathways for unauthorized data access. The vulnerability was particularly significant because it affected core operating system functionality and could potentially expose system state information that should remain protected. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and encompasses various scenarios where sensitive information is improperly exposed to unauthorized entities. The flaw likely involved insufficient memory protection mechanisms that allowed for data leakage through improper access controls or inadequate data sanitization during system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-4289 extended beyond simple data exposure, as it could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks by providing attackers with system intelligence that would otherwise be unavailable. Systems running affected versions of macOS were vulnerable to information disclosure attacks that could reveal kernel memory addresses, system configuration details, or other sensitive operational data. This information could then be used to craft more targeted attacks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or other advanced exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's impact was particularly concerning for enterprise environments where macOS systems might be running outdated versions, as these systems would be more susceptible to exploitation. From an attacker's perspective, this type of information disclosure could serve as a stepping stone to more serious compromises, making it a critical vulnerability to address promptly. The vulnerability's remediation required code removal and system-level changes to prevent the information leakage, demonstrating the complexity of kernel-level security issues.
The resolution of this vulnerability involved Apple's release of macOS High Sierra 10.13.6, which included patches to address the underlying memory management issues. This update implemented proper memory protection mechanisms and data sanitization procedures to prevent unauthorized information access. Organizations running affected systems were strongly advised to apply the update immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's remediation process followed standard security patch management procedures, emphasizing the importance of timely updates in maintaining system security. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of broader macOS security assessments, particularly when evaluating system configurations and access controls. The incident highlighted the importance of regular security updates and proper system maintenance to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. From an enterprise security perspective, this vulnerability reinforced the need for comprehensive patch management programs and continuous monitoring of system security posture. The fix implemented by Apple aligned with industry best practices for addressing information disclosure vulnerabilities, focusing on strengthening memory protection mechanisms and ensuring proper data isolation within the operating system kernel. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping operating systems updated and maintaining robust security controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information.